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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
12:09
Stimulating the Lip Motor Cortex with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: June 14, 2014
Positive affect predicts improved lip movement in facial movement disorder
Kathryn E Merkel1, Karen L Schmidt, Rachel M Levenstein
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Summary
Positive affect, indicated by orbicularis oculi activity, predicted improved lip corner movement in facial movement disorder patients. This suggests positive emotion aids recovery during therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Facial movement disorders impact quality of life.
- Positive affect may influence motor control in facial muscles.
- The zygomaticus major (lip corner) and orbicularis oculi (eye muscle) are key facial muscles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if a positive affect marker predicts improved lip corner movement in patients with facial movement disorders.
- To assess the association between orbicularis oculi activity and zygomaticus major movement asymmetry.
Main Methods:
- Clinical outcomes study involving 28 individuals with facial movement disorders.
- Automated facial analysis used to assess lip corner movement.
- Comparison of movement asymmetry based on the presence of a positive affect marker (orbicularis oculi activity) at an initial visit.
Main Results:
- A positive affect marker at the initial visit was linked to reduced asymmetry in lip corner movement at a subsequent visit.
- Individuals exhibiting orbicularis oculi activity showed more symmetrical zygomaticus major activation.
Conclusions:
- Positive affect is a predictor of improved facial movement outcomes in patients with facial movement disorders.
- Positive emotion may play a significant role in facial movement recovery during therapeutic interventions.
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